Breast screening is a service for well women. For most women attending BreastScreen Aotearoa (BSA), the medical imaging technologist (MIT) is the only health professional with whom they interact.

The quality of this interaction is critical to the woman's decision to re-attend for subsequent screens. MITs therefore require skills that will make this an acceptable experience for women by minimising anxiety at all stages of the screening pathway.

Responsibilities for MITs

The MIT has two main areas of responsibility:

  • the provision of an acceptable screening experience for women who participate in BSA
  • the provision of medical images of high quality to ensure the detection of small cancers.

The detection of such cancers will demonstrate the benefits of screening mammography for women.

Qualifications

All MITs performing screening mammography within BSA must be trained and qualified as MITs. They must be registered with the Medical Radiation Technologist Board and hold a current annual practising certificate.

All MITs must also have completed a postgraduate certificate or a Clinical Competence in Mammography certificate from the New Zealand Institute of Medical Radiation Technology, or a recognised equivalent within two years of commencing employment with the programme.

Any overseas mammography qualifications must be endorsed by the lead MIT, the Radiologist Unidisciplinary Group and BSA clinical leader.

Professional requirements

A full description of the professional requirements for breastcare nurses working the in the BSA programme is in criterion 8.16 of the BreastScreen Aotearoa National Policy and Quality Standards.

BreastScreen Aotearoa National Policy and Quality Standards